Top Things to Do in Reykjavik Iceland
If you are planning a trip to Reykjavik Iceland and looking for the best things to do, see, and eat while visiting, you are in the right place. Reykjavik is known as one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world. You will find colorful homes, quirky street art, bizarre museums, a great music scene, crazy nightlife, public art, and interesting food options all under the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights. Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Reykjavik Iceland bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your Reykjavik Iceland trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. Enjoy your time out of the office!
READ Complete Iceland Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
Things to Do in and Around Reykjavik Iceland
Go for a swim at Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Walk along the Kvika scenic footpath
Have a picnic lunch or watch the Northern Lights at Grótta Lighthouse
Spend an afternoon at the Laugardalslaug thermal swimming pool
See the panoramic view from the Hallgrimskirkja Church tower
Visit the Einar Jonsson sculpture garden
Go shopping on Laugavegur and buy a practical souvenir at 66 Degrees North
Photograph the city’s colorful houses
Search out the quirky street art
Explore the Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum
Check out the city views from the Perlan outdoor balcony
Explore the ice cave at the Perlan Wonders of Iceland Museum
Buy a hand-knitted wool jumper (lopapeysa) as a souvenir
Eat a famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur with everything
Try the fish snacks at the Kolaportið Flea Market
Grab an ice cream from Valdis
Check out the works of Icelandic artists at the Reykjavik Art Museum
Eat lobster soup at Sea Baron
Have a local beer at one of the breweries in the old fish-packing district
Learn more about the Northern Lights at Aurora Reykjavík
See Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower light installation on Viðey Island
Eat fermented shark and chase it with a shot of Brennivín (black death)
Try traditional Icelandic food at Café Loki
Have a cocktail with a view at Peterson Suite or Loft Hostel
Learn about Iceland at the Tales From Iceland Museum
Watch the free 360-degree scenic video in the Iceland Expo Pavilion of the Harpa
Explore the Harpa Concert Hall and listen to the Icelandic Symphonic Orchestra rehearse
Stroll the Sculpture and Shorewalk and photograph the Sun Voyager sculpture
Explore the Árbæjarsafn open-air museum
Check out the Whales of Iceland Museum
Head to Seltjarnarnes and watch for the Northern Lights
Learn the story of Iceland at the National Museum of Iceland
Photograph the Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat sculpture on Lækjargata Street
Take some time to relax and feed the birds at Tjörnin
Check out the 3D map of Iceland in City Hall
Enjoy a White Russian at the Big Lebowski
Eat sushi at the Fish Market
Go on a beer and food-tasting tour
Head to Prikið after a night on the town and order the Hangover killer breakfast
Check out the Star Wars theme bathroom at Café Babalu
Learn about the local music scene at 12 Tonar
Watch How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes at the Harpa
Browse the 250 penises at the Icelandic Phallological Museum
Browse the vinyl at Lucky Records
Meet the local ghosts on a haunted walk tour
Check out Elliðaárdalur Nature Reserve
Check out a piece of the Berlin Wall between the Old and New Harbor
Learn about the Viking way of life at the Saga Museum
Learn about Iceland’s volcanic activity at the Volcano House
Photograph Reykjavik from the water on the ferry to Viðey Island
Check the Reykjavik Iceland Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
My Favorite Booking Resources
- Discover Cars Search, compare and save on car rentals.
- Trainline Explore effortlessly by train and bus.
- Booking.com Search Booking.com to find the perfect property.
- Hostelworld Hostelworld has great inexpensive options.
- Get Your Guide Don’t chance it, the best attractions sell out.
- Tiqets Get your tickets now, relax when you arrive.
- Big Bus Tours Hop-on Hop-off at all the iconic landmarks.
- Go City Card Save up to 50% on attractions, tours and activities.
- Welcome Pickups Airport and port transfers.
- Visitors Coverage Pick the right travel insurance for you.
- Use code SAVE10 to pick up a travel guide from Lonely Planet to browse on the plane.
- Shop my Amazon travel essentials and have them delivered to your home.
Bookmark and Pin Things to Do in Reykjavik Iceland
